Kirby, 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, committed to the Miami Hurricanes over Florida, LSU, North Carolina and South Carolina. Many believed he would be a Gator, following Stephenson teammates Mike Davis and Jafar Mann to Gainesville. Instead, Kirby followed his heart to Coral Gables.

"It was a tough decision for a while but then an easy one for me," Kirby said. "As soon as Miami offered me they were in my top three. I have always really liked Miami. I formed a great relationship with coach [Michael] Barrow. He's a cool dude to talk to and he brings a whole lot of experience to the table, especially with the NFL. He played a long time in the league, and that's where I want to be one day. He knows what it takes to get there and to stay there.

"I like Coach Golden a lot. We are just now starting to get to know each other and I look forward to really getting to know him. I can't wait to play for him."

Kirby is one of many Stephenson standouts in the Class of 2012. In addition to Kirby, Mann and Davis making their decisions, Stephenson defensive tackle Carlos Hood has committed to South Carolina and tight end Joshua Parris has committed to USF.

Still, the Jaguars are looking forward to watching Kirby, who recently transferred from Lilburn Parkview, this season.

"I expect big things from Kirby this season," Stephenson coach Ron Gartrell said. "I mean big things. He has great athletic ability and he can really chase the ball. He can make all the calls for the defense. He's the blue print for a linebacker and a complete player. Miami is getting a really good player and a guy that will be one of the best linebackers we have ever had here and we have had guys like Marcus Ball, Kelvin Sheppard and Josh Johnson. He's had a big impact for us and I expect him to do the same for Miami."

"I love the tradition at Miami," Raphael Kirby said.The linebacker out of the Peach State committed to the Miami Hurricanes on Tuesday evening over Florida and a number of other schools.Kirby knew of his decision on Monday and he informed the coaches from The U on Tuesday afternoon."The coaches were thrilled when I told them the news. I was excited and so were they about my commitment to Miami."Kirby is now working to graduate early and get to Coral Gables in January 2012.He is the fourth Stephenson Jaguar to commit to a university in the state of Florida. Mike Davis and Jafar Mann are headed to UF and Joshua Parris recently committed to USF.

Damn yall, I had hopes for Storm. Talent like that doesnt get forgiven quick, but lucikly we got a little depth at RB. No lie, if he got his head together and put in work wherever he goes, I think he'll have a shot at the league

He earned Wide Receiver MVP honors. And UM might have gotten much more.

Cooper said after the camp that he planned to become an official UM commitment with the caveat that his mother be on board with him committing this early.

He spoke to his mother on Sunday night and says "she likes Miami, thinks it's a good school, but says it would be wise to wait."

He says regardless that he will be a Cane in the end.

"I told coach (Al) Golden today that I want to commit, that I want to be a Cane," said Cooper, who listed a Hurricane scholarship offer prior to today's summer camp. "Coach Golden, he was very excited."

Cooper also spoke about his time at today's camp:

"It was cool winning the (WR MVP) award," he said. "They give the MVP's a little mini-helmet. I just did what I usually do out there.

"It was a great experience. We got to learn things and the coaches were on us trying to get the best out of us."

Cooper says he learned to "compete at every opportunity. I think I have the talent, but you have to compete and beat everyone out every time."

Of what makes UM the right fit for him, Cooper said. "It's just you can see how much your talent can grow at Miami."

Cooper says other finalists for him are Florida State, Ohio State and West Virginia.